@Jeffrey Evans$1000 to find a deal I agree - there are tons of syndications and funds available for real estate investors today since jobs act that you can invest in and do your own research on.

I see you mentioned the BRRR method, here's a nice breakdown of it here on Bigger Pockets.   

I'd pay a few hundred and get some nice pics. 

nice cute building.. 

Columbus is an absolute goldmine right now - it's got robust job growth, a booming tech and university scene, and consistent strong rental demand. 

That’s just a job for peroxide and a good story for the open house.

One city near me is checking all garage enclosures, giving nice notice to get them permitted, which they may or may not grant, and if you don't get it properly permitted by December 31, says they will start fining people. 

Depending on the lender and program your biggest hurdles might be credit score and income and time in job. 

I don't have a great job, but its not bad.

Find a realtor that knows the transitioning areas, there are a lot of "not-so-nice" areas in South Bend that would not work for short term rentals, but there are also plenty of great neighborhoods.